Paul’s first missionary journey was between AD 45 – 48, with Antioch in Syria as the starting and finishing points, and they first traveled to the island of Cyprus and Asia Minor (Acts 13-14). Initially, the leader had been Barnabas, but no doubt, Paul manifestly assumed leadership towards the end of the journey. From this point onwards, Luke began to address the Apostle by referring his Roman name “Paulus”. They often preached convincingly in the Jewish synagogues about the Kingdom of God whenever they conducted missionary activity, and the initial result of this missionary tour was proven (Acts 13:12). Later, Paul and companions set sail from the island of Cyprus to Asia Minor, and landed ashore in Perga of Pamphylia, where they did not stay long and went to Pisidian Antioch. At this time, Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 15:36-39). The reason for Mark’s departure was probably because Paul had altered their original plan.
Paul came to Antioch-in-Pisidia for a short period of time. Jewish antipathy to his preaching had caused Paul and Barnabas said several unforgettable words: “Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” ” (Acts 13:46). Finally, at Antioch and Iconium, hostile Jews and Gentiles launched banishment with assault, by persuading the chief men of the city to expel them out of their territory. On the last leg of the journey, they took refuge in Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia; Paul and Barnabas reached a Gentile field for the first time. Shortly afterwards, the Jewish persecutors from Antioch and Iconium were catching up with them along with the assault. The expulsion nearly killed them.
At around AD 49, Paul and Barnabas returned to the church in Antioch which sent for them about three years ago. On the issue of whether the Gentiles converted to Christ should be circumcised, they brought intense debate with the leaders of Jerusalem. (Acts 15:1-6) The conclusion was that Gentile Christians only needed to observe abstaining “from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.” (Acts 15:28-29) This conference was known in history as “The Council of Jerusalem” and the decision by the Apostles referred to as the “Apostolic Decree”. Henceforth Paul established policy opening the door of faith to the Gentiles, Gentile evangelism and Gentile conversion, whom were not obliged to circumcised or be subjected to Mosaic Law.